Fetal parts embolization during termination of pregnancy: report of a case.
A 19-year-old woman underwent termination of pregnancy by dilatation and evacuation at 19 weeks of gestation. She subsequently developed persistent massive hemorrhage, with laboratory evidence of a consumption coagulopathy. Attempts to control bleeding were unsuccessful, and the patient underwent a hysterectomy. Pathologic evaluation of the uterus revealed embolization of fetal tissues and placental fragments in the uterine and parametrial veins. This is the first reported case of such a finding, and its importance in relation to the patient's clinical presentation is discussed.
Saltzman
R
R
Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY 10003.
Miranda
P
P
Jerez
E
E
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D004211:Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation / Q000209:etiology; D004617:Embolism / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus; D006801:Humans; D010920:Placenta; D011247:Pregnancy; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000473:pathology